How to Extract Bee Venom

Because the amount of venom a honeybee produces is infinitesimal and very difficult to collect in large quantities, an electronic device for extracting it, known as a bee venom collector, is used. It is the easiest way to generate enough stings for a viable amount of venom per collecting session. The collector consists of a housing with controls on one side and a glass plate on the other. The plate is covered with a row of electrified wires. When a bee comes into contact with the wires, an electrical impulse triggers a sting. The venom from the sting then falls onto the glass plate. Once it has dried, it can be collected.

Things You'll Need

• Electronic bee venom collector
• Razor blade
• Small dark-colored glass vial
• Label

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Instructions

Extracting Bee Venom

• 1

  Insert the glass plate directly below the stretch wires on the front side of the collector.

• 2

  Place the bee venom collector and the hive entrance with the glass plate and wires facing the hive.

• 3

  Turn the device on. Watch for the blinking green run light that indicates proper operation. Ensure that the device is pausing every 50 seconds for a 10-second interval.

• 4

  Make sure that the device turns off automatically after 40 minutes, which is the maximum amount of time for each collecting session. If the device does not shut off after 40 minutes, turn it off manually.

• 5

  Place the device in a shady area to allow the remaining bees to return to the hive. Leave the glass in place.

• 6

  Remove the glass plate. You will notice spots of white crystals beginning to form. Allow the venom to dry completely.

• 7

  Scrape the bee venom off the glass plate with a clean razor blade once it is completely crystallized. Place venom in a small, dark-colored glass vial, and label. Store the venom by refrigerating it for up to one year.